Free public EV charging stations are sometimes free but not always. Below is a guide to where you’ll likely find free EV charging stations in Australia.
🛍️Shopping centres and businesses
Several businesses, universities, and shopping centres or markets offer free charging to its customers and visitors. These may include slow AC and fast DC charging points.
Of course, it’s courtesy to support the business in exchange. For example, a three-hour shopping trip could provide more than 50 per cent charge on a Tesla Model 3 RWD when connected to a 11kW AC charger.
However, you should consider if deliberately driving there is worth the range consumed (if it’s out of your local area or commute) and the likely time needed to queue for the free charger (as it’s bound to be popular). The best way to check if there are free electric vehicle charging facilities is:
🏨Hotels and motels
Hotels, motels and Airbnb hosts are increasingly providing EV destination charging facilities for guests. These can range from a standard powerpoint outlet to a Level 2 charge point capable of 22kW AC power.
If you plan on parking your car overnight, why not charge it at the same time and take advantage of free charging (or for a small fee)? It could save you $20 to $40 for a full charge compared to using public fast chargers. The best way to check if your accommodation provides electric vehicle charging facilities is:
⚡️Jolt charging stations
Every Jolt charging station provides up to 7kWh of free charging per day, with standard rates applying thereafter. This equates to 30 to 40 km of range enough to cover the daily distance of most Australian drivers.
🔋NRMA charging stations
All NRMA fast DC chargers operated by Chargefox in New South Wales with some in Victoria and South Australia are currently free to all EV owners, without any limits. However, the state motoring club will soon make free charging exclusive to members only.